Newbie w/new bass needs string advice

QUADRADOMUS

Well I just got my first bass. A fender Squier Jazz bass.
If this is like most things that you purchase in life, it probably comes off the shelf with poor quality strings Question

So, I ask you, what do you guys recommend as a quaility string that would be an easy string to learn on? Like easy on these virgin fingers.
The guy at Guitar Center said something about some strings that were coated in something. Sounds like voodoo to me #evil

What should I start with?

Thanks Very Happy

Chris

Rufio · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2003 3:45 am Post subject:

What kind of music will you be playing mostly?
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supermau · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2003 4:42 am Post subject:

Dude at the music store is talking about Elixer. Too expensive.

I recommend going with a standard roundwound set of GHS Boomers, or Ernie Ball Slinky's, or something along those lines. They shouldn't cost you more that about $17 depending on where you get 'em.

If you're concerned about virgin fingers then go with a light set (.40-.100)

QUADRADOMUS · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2003 4:27 pm Post subject:

Rufio,

As far as what music I would play... mostly classic rock stuff like Stones, Cream etc. No popping, slapping etc for at least a few years I imagine.

Chris

gibson_thunder · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2003 4:38 pm Post subject:

med-heavy GHS boomers or EB slinkys...thats what id go with...
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Beowulf · Growing Lion Joined: 18 Jun 2003 Posts: 876

No bass strings are easy on "virgin fingers". Bass is inherently ten times more blister-inducing than guitar.

Be tough. Soon you'll have your calluses and THEN you'll know you're a true bass player. Until then, get quality strings that aren't overly expensive. I love Ernie Balls... they're just all-around awesome.

Beowulf · Growing Lion Joined: 18 Jun 2003 Posts: 876

Oh, and don't feel you need to buy the most expensive stuff just cause the salesman told you to. Elixers make quality strings but they're way too pricey. As I've said before, I play Ernie Ball Slinkies... Hybrid guage (orange pack).

Here's a big tip: Learn how to restring properly. It's really easy and kind of fun.

scorpionldr · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2003 1:06 pm Post subject:

quad, u buy roundwounds and your set for slap or whatever. i guarantee you probably after a year and a half you'll want some girl to know your artsy, so, start playing heavy strings till your good and fast, and then work on impressing her. lol, hell, your fingers should be nice and pained up then. callous will come at a great speed, that or they'll start bleeding, i recommend it, that's what i did, and my fingers are still SILKY SMOOTH, lol

Neil Gray · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2003 8:25 pm Post subject: Strings...

I actually bought a set of D'Adarrio's the other week, 'coz they were on special. I remember them from high school (still have nightmares, actually Confused

) But all jokes aside, they are easily the toughest strings I have ever used. Maybe not the nicest, and certainly not the best sounding, but for learning and conditioning, I recomend them. They are a good calous inducing string, but they're fast enough to keep you interested in playing. Give them ago, anyone who is looking for a good string to start out with. Be careful, though... they NEVER break, so you've got to remember to change them yourself.
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Dark Lord Vigo · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2003 12:14 am Post subject:

If you're not playing slap for a bit, you should get a set of flatwounds. These are very easy on the fingers as the surface of the string is less abrasive. In addition they will produce less finger noise and be more "forgiving" while you are learning.

As far as brand goes, I almost exclusive use Rotosound. They're handmade in England and as I understand it they invented roundwounds and presurwounds. (That's what they say anyway).

The best flats are RS77EL Custom Jazz, and for slap RS77DL Jazz Bass Pressurewounds. These have the advantage of cutting string noise but remaining bright as f**k. Twisted Evil

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oscar · Tadpole Joined: 19 Oct 2003 Posts: 18

I want some advice too...I think my strings needs to be changed...so what's up with strings for punk music? I guess ernie balls are good, but there's a lot of ernie balls Confused

oscar · Tadpole Joined: 19 Oct 2003 Posts: 18

oh, and I have an yamaha RBX 370a bass...now look at the message above ^^

CaptainSaveAHo · Bear Cub Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 647

I've always gone with the medium guage strings (Regular Slinky Bass). It's the size your bass probably came with to start with. Anything thicker than that would be useful if you're downtuning to Korn or System of a Down levels. Thinner is a personal preferance for some, I've got thinner sets but I haven't tried them yet ^_^. And Nofx used Ernie Balls for a while I think (I think they got them free from the studio, heh).